FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Bill White releases analysis of BP blowout
Energy expert explains situation and path forward
HOUSTON — Bill White today released a detailed analysis of what may have gone wrong with BP’s oil drilling operation in the Gulf and suggested ways to prevent similar catastrophes in the future. The analysis is available at http://bw4tx.com/300.
"We all should keep the families of those who lost their lives, and those who are working non-stop to contain the spill, in our prayers," White said.
"It is important that we know both the causes and means to prevent this kind of disaster as quickly as possible," White said. "We cannot afford an energy policy that is based on either wishful thinking or irrational fear. Claims by those in public office or the industry that somehow this tragedy was unavoidable or some ‘act of God’ are not helpful to reasoned discussion."
Referring to the oil spill yesterday, Rick Perry said, "From time to time, there are going to be things that occur that are acts of God that cannot be prevented." He also said, "I don’t think that a big wave came along at a very inopportune time and caused … but I don’t know that." Finally Perry said that BP "historically had a very good safety record from my perspective."
Five years ago, an explosion at a BP refinery in Texas City killed 15. James A. Baker III, former Secretary of State, led a blue-ribbon Independent Safety Review Panel that concluded the company failed to provide effective leadership on safety and failed to take steps to prevent the deadly explosion.
White favors stronger energy efficiency measures to reduce dependence on foreign oil. He also favors offshore drilling as a critical part of America’s affordable, secure energy supply.
White helped build successful oil and gas services businesses before being elected Houston’s mayor in 2003. As Houston’s mayor, White instituted energy efficiency programs, cutting the city’s energy consumption by 6% despite increased demand for services in one of the fastest growing U.S. cities. The City of Houston also became the #1 public purchaser of renewable energy. Previously, he served as Deputy Secretary of Energy of the United States, where he saved taxpayers more than $1 billion with management reforms and helped fund early wind energy projects for Texas.
Contact:
Katy Bacon
[email protected]
713.613.5326
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